You remember in an instant the good times, the laughter, the smiles, words of encouragement and the impact a particular person has had on you...and you know because of them you'll never be the same again. It's a sensational and terribly empty feeling wrapped in one.
"I am retiring. Been here twenty three years and today's my last day." Joyce answered.

Silence erased the chitchat of the new crowd coming in the front door. It was like a death sentence. You could have heard a stamp drop.

She proceeded to tell how she had a fondness for the mountains and now that she would have days and weeks of free time, she was going to pursue her love for hiking.
She continued ringing up the regulars while sharing stories of her adventures on the Appalachian Trails. Even after we'd been helped, we lingered awhile, listening to her stories, and not wanting to say good-bye.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could treat all of our interactions with our friends, family and business associates with the same respect that "good-bye" moment provides - with meaning and awareness?
What a difference that one woman made in the lives of so many...and what an impact she made in mine.

I'm going to miss you Joyce.

Happy Hiking!

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